California University of Pennsylvania Junior Kaitlin Marie Descutner beat out 18 other finalists to become the sixth winner of the Canonsburg Idol competition held July 12 during Canonsburg's annual Doowopalooza event.

Before her win, Descutner has spent the last five years competing in Canonsburg Idol, but never walked away the winner. Last year, she was chosen as first runner-up, but coming up short didn't keep her eyes away from the prize.

"I've been entering this contest for five years and I just kept trying," said Descutner.

Although the semi-finals were held July 3, seven finalists battled for the coveted title, which made the competition even tougher for the judges to choose a winner. Unlike previous years when the competition displayed a clear-cut winner, this year's Idol competition proved that anyone had the potential to become the next Perry Como or Bobby Vinton.

Pohl with musical director Ed Matelin and musical director and choral teacher Carol Karl, judged the competition based on performance, song choice, personality stage presence and appearance attire.

At the finals, each contestant performed two selections. Wearing a beautiful blue dress, Descutner shined when she performed "Being Alive" and "Piece of Sky." With her beauty similar to Nicole Kidman and a voice compared to Celine Dion, judges were amazed at her performances.

"All I can say is 'wow,' Pohl said to her after her performance.

"You are the one to beat kid," Matelin said.

After the audience was treated to performances by 2006 and 2007 Canonsburg Idol winners Nicole Marschishak and Rachel Geraci, host and Canonsburg manager Terry Hazlett announced Kayla McQuillan and Kristy Bissell as second and first runners-up before declaring Descutner as the winner.

While basking in the glow of her win, Descutner admitted she was shocked when she was named the winner of Canonsburg Idol.

"Stuff like this doesn't happen all the time," she said.

As the new Canonsburg Idol, Descutner will perform at the upcoming Oktoberfest this fall, as well as receiving $100, studio time at a local recording studio and trophy.

She also has some advice for other contestants who are maybe disappointed about not winning the competition.

"Keep on going because your moment will come."